Display device



June 10, 192.0. J, OBRI N 1,763,318

DI SPLAY DEVICE Filed April 1;, 1928 s Sheets-Sheet 1 nFune 10, 1930.

J. J. O'BRIEN 1,763,318

DISPLAY DEVICE Filed April 15, 1928 3 Shets-Shet 2 June 10, 1930.- J, J, 5 5mm 1,763,318

' DISPLAY DEVICE Filed April 13, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jizmes J. Qfimm Patented June 10, 1930 UNITED STATES rATENr OFFICE JAMES J. O'BRIEN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS DISPLAY DEVICE Application filed April 13,

This invention relatesto improvements in display devices that are used to display merchandise for sale in stores "and places of like character, and more particularly to a disv E play device manually operable by the prospective purchaser of the goods, which is highly desirable for the displa ing of artic es of apparel and especially esirable for the displaying of hosiery, although the device has many and varled uses as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

In stores and the like where merchandise such as articles of apparel varying in size,

' it is necessary to keep alarge stock of each single style or design of an article in order to have each size' thereof available for a purchaser. It has been found highly desirable to dispay in any desired manner a sample of each color combination or style of an article in boxes, cases, and the like. The

purchaser, therefore, need only choose the liking amount of counter or floor space, and 1f operable by a purchaser, were not as efiiciently operable as is desirable. -Moreover, these formerly known devices were not adapted for the displaying of articles hav- ,ing a diagonal fold therein, such as hosiery, for instance, which invariably is folded along a'dia 'onal line adjacent the foot portion thereof, and which when mounted on such devices would tend to wrinkle and thereby materiall lessen the attractiveness of the display. urther, these previously known devlces when actuated rather quickly, permitted certain elongated articles, such as ladies hose, neckties, or the like, to be- .thrown outwardly, thereby annoying a pur- 59 chaser and in many cases injuring or soiling and securely holds the article, retaining the various sizes of the 1828. Serial No. 269,724.'

the articles themselves, or permitting the articles to fall from the devlce.

The resent invention is designed to overcome t e above noted defects and objections, in the provision of a display device 5 which is freely and easily operable by a prospective purchaser, and which firmly articles to be displayed therein.

The invention also seeks the provision of 60 a displa device ada ted to hold articles in a rotata le or swin a ble manner and to prevent such articles rom swinging outwardly due to centrifugal force. 7 4

p A further important object of the prescut invention is to provide means-for frictionally and securely clamping an article to be displayed, at the same time permitting the ready and easy removal or mounting of the article. A further object .of. the present invention is to provide means for suspending an article having a diagonal fold therein by firmly holding the article adjacent the fold and permitting the article to hang substantially vertically without the undesirable wrinkling of the same. I

While some of the more salient features, characteristics, and advantages, of a device embodying this.invention have been above pointed out, others will become apparent rom the following disclosures.

The invention includes these and other features of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter described, and shown in a preferred form in the drawin s, as more particularly indicated by the c aims.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is 'a view in elevation showing a device embodying the present invention mounted upon a support or stand and carrying, articles to be displayed.

F-i ure 2 is a view in elevation of one of the (ivices shown in Figure 1, carrying an IV-IV of Figure 3,

tional view of the device with the article therein, taken substantially along line V-V' of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing a device of a slightly difierent form and embodying features of the present invention.

Fi ure 7 is a sectional view taken substantlally along line VII-VII of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view taken substantially along line VIII-VIII of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing a device of stilldifi'erent form embodying features of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the staggered line X-X of Fi ure v9. v

igure 11 isan enlarged transverse sectional view taken substantially along line XI-XI of Figure 9.

Figure 12 is an enlarged transverse sectional view takensubstantially along line XII-XII of Figure 9.

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing a still different form of the device embodying features of the present invention.

Figure 1 1 is a bottom plan sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line XIV- XIV of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken along line XVXV of Fi ure 13.

igure 16 is anenlarged transverse sectional view taken along l1ne-XVIXVI of Fi ure 13. r

igure 17 is an elevational view of a preferred form of stand embodying principles of the present invention, shown supporting an article holding device of a still different form embodying principles of the present invention.

Figure 18 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view taken substantially as mdicated by line 'XVIIL-XVIII of Figure. 17

Figure 19 is an enlar ed fragmentary vertical sectional view of t e structure shown in Figure 17 Figure 20 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fi ure l7, taken substantially as indicated by ine XX-XX of Figure 17 Fi ure 21 is a view similar to Figure 19, showing a slightly different form of construction of the apparatus disclosed therein.-

,As shown in the drawings: I I

In the illustrated embodiment of this invention there is shown a stand com rising a base 1 and an upright 2 preferab y rotatably' mounted therein, on which upright, in

any desiredmanner, are mounted a plurality of flexible and resihent clamping elements 3 iromgachof which is suspended-a pair of As shown in Figures 1 to 5', inclusive, the clamping elements .3 are formed from a single piece of wire, or any desirable flexible substance, which is provided with a plurality of reverse bends therein, in this instance there being an outer bend 5 an inner bond. (3, anda larger outer bend 7, to permit the terminus 9 of the rod or wire to extend thereinto after the forming of an inner bend 8. A plurality of elongated substantially parallel portions 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, are thereby formed, which present opposed surfaces tofrictionally engage an article of apparel, in this instance, a pair of hose 4. The clamping-element is provided at its inner end with a depending portion 14 which is disposed at an angle to the remainder of the clamping element and by which the clamping element is mounted in the upright 2. When the article to be displayed is a pair of hose, the angle between the clamping element proper and the depending portion 14 is ob tuse so that the clamping element will be. supported in an obliquely upward position. It is well known that hosiery is always received by the retail merchant with an oblique fold therein adjacent the foot portion' thereof. When the hosiery is mounted or interwoven in the clamping element, the elongated portions 10 and 11, which extend outwardlybeyond the remaining portions, and the loop 5 are inserted in this oblique fold 15 so as to be substantially covered thereby, then thethickness of'the entire pair of hose is pushed on the inside of the member 9, so that the member 9 will appear externally on one side of the'hose and the members '12 and 13 on the opposite side. The terminus at the end of the member 9 is provided with a loop 16 to prevent gou ing or tearing of the hose. When the depending portion 14 is mounted on the upright 2, the clamping element will be in a position parallel to the oblique fold in the hose 4 and the hose will hang substantially vertically with no tendency whatsoever to wrinkle. In the event a pair of hose is to be sold directly from the display device, it is simply necessary to slide the hose outwardly until free of engagement with the clamping element. Another pair of hose is easily and readily 'insertable in the clamping element in the manner hereinbefore descrlbed,

It is to be noted that the resiliency of the parallel portions-of the'clamping element causes the. same to firmly and effectively grip the hose thereby eliminating all danger of falling from the device. It is also to be especially noted that the extremities of the inner bends 6 and Sin the clamping element are on a line parallel to the depending portion 14 whereby only a minimum part of the clamping element will be visible.

In, Fi ures 6 to 8, inclusive, I have shown *a slightly different form of clamping ele- 0 ment, the difference lying in the manner'of.

formmg the lower bends in the wire. The

depending portion 14', the elongated por v to form an elongated portion 18 at the outer endof which a smaller bend 19 is provided to form an elongated portion 20 at the inner end of which another smaller bend 21 is provided which terminates in' the elongated portion 9 ending in the loop 16, whereby the portions 9 and 2.0 are disposed between the portions 18 and 11. In mounting the hose on this clamping element the ortions l and 11 and bend are insertec in the oblique fold is hereinbefore described and the entire thickness of the hose interwoven between the remaining portions so that the portion 9 will appear on one side of the hose and the portions 18 and with the loop 19,011, the other side thereof.

In Figures 9 to 12, inclusive, I have shown another form of clamping element which comprises a rod orwire 22 terminating in the inner end thereof in a depending portion 14: which portion functions the same as hcreinbefore described. A second wire is engaged around the wire 22, as indicated at 23, and if so desired welded thereto, so

I'as to form two juxtaposed portions 24:3116.

and

a ing abutting portions which a'rebent to form forwardly extending portions 26 and 27, respectively, provided at the outer ends thereof with loops 28 and 29, respectively. Inmounting= clamping element the portion 22 1s merely inserted in the oblique the hose u on this fold 15 and then the hose is pushed between 'the clamping portions 26 and 27, whereby In Figures 13 .to 16, inclusive, I have shown a still different form of clamping element which comprises a wire reversely bent, as at 30, to provide elongated portions 31 32, the latter terminatin extremities in a lever 33. T e portion 31 terminates at its inner end in a depending portion '14 similar to that previously decen'ter thereof, a rescribed. Adjacent the silient strip 34 islooped around the portion 31, as at 35, so asto formtwo dependadjaccnt-the mid-portion thereof to loosely receive the inwardl extending portion 32 the'rebetwen. At t 'e. lower extremities the portions '36 and 37 are engaged around the Inner extremities of a' air of clamping wires 38 and 39, respectlvely, adapted for frictional en agement on opposite sides ofthe hose 4. v v clamping element, the element 32 'is raised by manipulating the lever 33; so as to pass amounting t e .hose on this between and spread the abutting portlons backing member provide tion 14 of a clamping element at its inner 36 and 37, respective-' ly (Figure 15) which are outwardly bent of the dependin .members 36 and 37 seas to spread the 0 am ing wires 38 and 39. The portions 31 an 32 are thenboth inserted within the oblique fold 15 in the hose 4, the clamping wires 38 and 39 embracing opposite sides of the hose, and then- .the lever 33 is dropped, thereby causing the clamping wires 38 and 39 to effectively grip the hose and securely hold the'same.

In Figures 17 to 21, inclusive, I have shown a preferred form of rack or stand for rotatably or swingably supporting a plurality of' each or any of the clampin elements hereinbefore described. The stan in this instance, comprises a base 1" in which an upright 2 isfixedly mounted. In this instance, a plurality of supporting plates 40 are ad uStabIy and .removably mounted on the upri ht 2 in any desired. manner or as shown by a collar 41 fixedly secured to each of the plates a backing member 43 made of -any desirable material, wood being highly suitable for the purpose desired. A. corrugated sheet 44 is secured to the forward edge of thebacking member 43 in such a manner that alternate corrugations in the strip together with the a s ries'of spaced passages or sockets 45, each eing adapted to rotatably-and swingably receive the por- 3 therein. The stand just previously described is equipped with meansv for eifectively supportmg ladies: hose or other elongated articles of apparel, although the same may be .used if so desired, for supporting mens 'hose or shorter articles of apparel m a single or plurality of tiers. When it is desired tosup ort ladies hose, the'hose 4 are interwoven in one of the clamping elements and the portion 14: of the element inserted 'in one o the sockets 45, so that the hose will be suspendedin the manner hereinbefore described. The clamping element 3 shown in Figure 17 is similar to the element described in Figures 6 to 8, inclusive, with the exception that the elongated portions9 and 20 of the elements shown in Figure 6, are in reversed order. It is well known that ladies hose when vertically suspended will tend to distort or wrinkle adjacent the calf of the leg portion of the hose since this portion is relatively wider thanthe ankle and foot portions. Means are provided in the present instance to maintain the calf portion of the hose in its normal position there.

by adding to the beauty of the display. The

means, in this instance, comprise an element formed from a wire bent u on. itself and 4 dqwnwardly turned at one en to provide a portionil i engag eable in one of thesockets in the lower tier on the rack. For this purpose the wire extends outwardly in two portions '47 and 48 which are spread, as at 49, to receive therebetween-the calf portion of the hose, thereby preventing the hose from wrinkling. The. clamping element and element ifi arelconnected in anydesired manner or as shown by a rod so that the element 46- will alwa s swing with the clamping element 3" an so'carry the hose 4' without distorting the same.

In Figure'21l have howna rod 50 fixedly' secured to the clamping element 3 at its upper-end,- and having the element 46 integralf-with r attached to its lower end, therelby" atingthe second tier'on the stan verticalrelation to t is also to be unfor the support of an' article of merchan-- dlse.

From the foregoing itwill apparent that I have provided means for effectivelydisplaying articles of merchandise, whic means are operable by a respective pur-.

chaser ofthe article-and e ectively and ,se- :curely hold the article at all times,the article' being easily. removable therefrom or mountable thereon, and which prevent the article from swinging outwardly to an ob-- jectionable extent when the display device is operated. ,Moreover, the" display device shown "and described herein is simple in constructionand assembly of parts and may be veryeconomicall'y manufactured.

I 'am..-aware that many changes may be made andnumerous details of construction may be varied through a widerange without A l .departin from the principles of this inven tron andz there ore, do; not purpose limitmg.the patent neoessitatedby the prior art. j

" I claim as my invention nted 'herfeon otherwise than 'ofiset vertical relation to each other and a' element having a plurality of reverse bends therein to form a plurality of parallel arms defining adjacent oppositely opening pas-. sageways closed atone end thereof, an integral portion depending from the said element at an obtuse angle thereto, and support means adapted toreceive the said portion alone to maintain. the said arms in spaced relation to the support so that anarticle of apparel may be entered in the passageways defined by the arms.

-3. In combination, a support,a flexible element having one of its ends mounted on the support, the other end-of the'said flexible element being free, the said flexible eleso, ment'having a plurality of bends in ofiset I each other, and a plurality of arms defining adjacent oppositely. openin passageways closed at one .end ther'eo 4. In combination, a support, a flexible element having one end mounted on the support, the said. element having a plurality of reverse bends forming a plurality of arms,

and the other end of the element being a free-ended arm disposed between a pair of arms. I

I '5. As an article .of manufacture, an element having a plurality of vertically spaced integral longitudinal portions for su porting an article of apparel having 'an-o lique fold therein by engagement therewith ad acent said fo1d,and integral depending means angularly associated with the said element a at one end thereof for supporting the latter in such a manner that said article willhang substantially vertically without wrink- 6. As an article of manufacture, a flexible element having a plurality of bends all in plurality of vertically spaced parallel longi- Y oblique fold therein 'by engagement pendin means angularly associated with j tudin-al portions of different lengths for supporting an article of apparel havingpan t erewith adjacent, said fold, and integral dc}.

the Sai element at one end thereof for sup- 1. Ineombination, a flexlbleelement havmg a plurahty of vertically s aced inte-' grally connected arallel armsj efinin positely opening a at one end thereo P fjacent pamageways' c osed an integral portion de-;

pending from said element at an obtuse an-.

gle thereto, and support means adapted to 60 receivethe said portion alone to maintain the said parallel arms inspacedrelation to the article will hang substantially vertical without wrinkling.

porting the latter in sucha manner that said In testimony 7 hereof I have hereunto subscribed my name at Chicago, Cook County,

Illinois. v JAMES J .YOBRIE N. 12o

supportso that an article of ap and may, be entered 1n the passageways efined by Y the arms.

2. In combinatioma flexible-and resilient 

